The traditional firearm zone licenses (1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B) have been consolidated into two licenses types: A statewide Season Option A and a Zone 3B (southeast Minnesota) season option B. With the new system, hunters are no longer limited to a particular zone boundary, but must adhere to the different open season dates in permit areas within the zone. Zone 4 has also been eliminated and merged with the Zone 2 nine-day season. A number of deer permit areas formerly in Zone 4 will be renumbered.

Season A licenses are valid statewide in all A season areas (Zones 1A, 2A, 3A), which opens Nov. 8. For example, by purchasing a statewide A season license, a hunter could hunt an area in 3A (seven-day season) opening weekend, move to an area in 2A (nine-day season) the second weekend and finish up the season in 1A (16-day season) on the third weekend.

In contrast, season B licenses are valid only during the Zone 3B season (Nov. 22-30) in southeastern Minnesota. A regular firearm deer hunter may purchase either an A or B season license, but not both. However, anyone (including 3B hunters) can now buy a muzzleloader license. Both license types will be valid in the Twin Cities metro area, bovine TB area, and all early antlerless permit areas.

I heard of this right when they passed the law a few weeks ago. I think its a pretty cool idea which will personally make it cheaper for me. I'm moving to Bemidji for shcool in the fall so now I can purchase just 1 Zone A licence and hunt both up in Bemidji and down at my normal area in Brainerd/Aitkin. I also think that the deer take this season will increase somewhat becuase hunters have more options to get out and try new areas. In my opinion, I think this is a good idea!